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Tag Archives: plumbing system

Introducing Tiger Home Awareness Solutions

Did I forget to shut the garage door? Was my package delivered? Is my home secure? Homeownership comes with all kinds of questions, concerns and responsibilities. Wouldn’t it be nice if things were a little easier? Be aware with a smart home from Tiger Home Awareness.

Tiger Home Awareness and Automation Solutions will take away many of the worries that come with owning your home. Imagine how much easier it would be to control lights and lock doors with an app on your phone? Or the peace of mind that would accompany the ability to keep an eye on children, elderly relatives or pets when you are not home. How much more secure would your home be if you could monitor and even interact with people who visit your home with a two-way camera?

Be In Control Anywhere, Anytime

First, you will have control of your home’s automation through an app that you can easily install on your Smartphone.

Next, conveniently located cameras and sensors will allow you to monitor suspicious activity on your property and the coming and goings of visitors.

Furthermore, you can customize alerts that are sent to your phone, which makes it easier to stay up to date on the happenings in your home.

And, easily keep an eye on children or elderly relatives while you are away from home.

Summer is a time for fun in the sun. Nothing brings the fun to a screeching halt like a sewage backup. Here is what you need to know about sewage backups during the summertime. What Can Cause a Summer Sewage Backup?There are a couple reasons why a sewage backup might occur during the warmer months. Summer storms are a common culprit, for example. When it rains too much or too fast for the sewage system to handle, water can build up and get into the system. If the water continues to build up, it can fill it until sewage enters your home.

Another issue that can cause a backup is a system blockage. This can happen when the wrong things are tossed down the drain in your home.

What Are the Effects of a Backup?Of course, there is the mess that comes with a sewage backup. This factor alone is extremely unpleasant, but there are other more serious concerns to consider as well. Sewage is unsanitary and can pose health concerns for one. Additionally, having a large amount of water entering your home can lead to damage to your foundation or rotting of your interior walls. Not to mention the fire and other hazards caused if this water reaches any electrical components.

So How Can You Avoid a Summer Sewage Backup?Obviously, when it comes to weather, you can’t control when or how strong of a summer storm will hit. The good news is that you can take these steps, to help lessen your risk of a sewage backup.

1. First and foremost, never put anything down a drain that can clog or damage the pipes. This includes greasy or stringy foods, chicken bones, coffee grounds, etc. 2. Do your best to keep your yard clear of debris that may block drains and cause backups in the main city system during a strong storm. 3. Stay up to date on your home’s sanitary system and plumbing maintenance. This can help prevent backups and provide you with early detection of damage to your system.

Have a Safe and Fun Summer!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

It is May and we all know what that means, the school year is almost over! With summer break approaching quickly, you may be trying to plan ways to keep the kiddos entertained for the next few months. Fear not! Here are some helpful activities you can do with the kids this summer!

Summer Break Activities:

1. Water Fun

Beat the heat this summer with the kids by breaking out the hose! Kiddie pools, water balloon fights and running through sprinklers are some of the best benefits of dealing with the summer heat! The good news is that your family can enjoy the waterworks, without sending your monthly bill through the roof. Try only filling kiddie pools about halfway, instead of all the way to the top, most of that water will just splash out and be wasted anyway. If you’re using sprinklers, try running the hose on a lower setting versus having it going at full blast. Your kids will still have fun playing with the sprinkler and you’ll save a little money on your water bill.

2. Light Reading

One downside to summer is that kids can actually lose some of what they learned from the school year over the break. Encourage kids to read more to help fight against this knowledge loss. There are several great summer reading programs in our area. The more time kids spend reading, the less time they are spending on video games, watching TV or bugging you because they are bored. So, if you are looking for a way to keep the kids busy this summer, place them in a well-lit room, with a good book!

3. Plant a Garden

A small garden, even just a simple herb garden, can be a fun activity for you and your kids to do over the school break. Gardening is a great way to teach kids about patience, the seasons, watering practices and it gets them outdoors for awhile!

4. Camp at Home

Grab a tent and head out to the backyard. Backyard camping is a lot of fun and conveniently located next to your own personal bathroom! String up some outdoor lights and roast marshmallows over a fire pit if you have one and tell funny campfire stories.

5. Stay Cool in the Kitchen

Baking is always a fun activity, but a hot kitchen can be an unpleasant place to be during the hot summer months. Skip the part where you add extra heat to home and opt for making no-bake treats with the kiddos!

Have a Great Summer Everyone!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Spring is here! Goodbye, yucky winter weather and short days. Say hello to budding leaves, blooming flowers and rain, lots and lots of rain. While spring brings the excitement of warming weather, it also brings hazards like heavy April rain showers, basement flooding and damaged pipes.

Here are some ways your pipes can be affected by April rain showers:

1. Moving water can erode soil where a pipe is buried; exposing it.

Heavy rain can create rushing water that becomes a powerful force. This force can erode the soil around buried pipes, exposing them to damage. This is particularly concerning for the plumbing lines coming to your house from the city’s system.

Make sure you know where your pipes are buried and take extra care during and after flooding to avoid those areas. Once the rainwater has subsided, do a thorough check to make sure they are still buried. If the soil has been eroded, inspect the pipes for damage or have one of our plumbing experts come out and inspect them for you.

2. Pipes can burst.

Flooding brings debris as well as lots of water. This debris can easily gather in a storm/drain pipes causing them to back up. If the pressure is high enough from the water draining, this can lead to bursting. You can minimize the risk of bursting by keeping your yard clean so there is less debris to back up your drainage system.

3. Pipes can corrode faster.

Depending on the material of your piping, exposure to flood waters and any changes in water chemistry can cause it to rust faster. This most often happens over a number of seasons of flooding and heavy rains. Inspect any visible piping for signs of rust, particularly if you have old cast iron piping in your home. Copper also corrodes and gets pinhole leaks so you still have to inspect those pipes as well.

4. Dirt and debris in the water supply can erode pipes internally.

Erosion is another way pipes can be damaged. Floodwaters carry sediment that destroys the internal wall of drainpipes. While you cannot inspect the inside of pipes, you can call in one of our plumbing experts if you are concerned that you might be at risk for damaged piping from dirt and sediment erosion.
5. Prevention and cure.

Let us inspect your home’s plumbing to make sure it can withstand this April’s showers. When the floodwaters subside, we can help you find and repair any damage you may have incurred. Give us a call and we will keep your piping in shape for many more years of spring weather!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

What is the number one reason people call a plumber? If you guessed a clogged drain, congratulations, you are correct! Whether it is in your bathroom, kitchen or drain pipes, a clogged drain can ruin anyone’s day. Check out these items that you should never put down your drain!

Common Drain Cloggers that Require a Plumber

You will want to avoid flushing the following items or pouring them down your drains unless sewage backup is something you enjoy.

Disposable diapers

Feminine hygiene products

“Flushable” wipes

Grease

Hair

Coffee Grounds

Wax

Paper products (besides toilet paper)

Toothpaste

Food particles

Oil (cooking)

Dirt

Soap

You will also want to avoid pouring hazardous waste and chemicals down your drains. These include gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers, paint, etc.

Common Clogs By Room

Bathroom Clogs:

The most common clog found in bathrooms are caused by hair buildup. Try to remove clumps of hair from drains whenever you notice them. A buildup of soap and toothpaste can also cause clogs in bathrooms. The regular use of a safe enzyme-based drain cleaner product such as BioClean can help prevent slow drains and stoppages, call (866) 844-3770 to schedule an appointment, to learn more!

Kitchen Clogs:

Clogged drains occur in the kitchen more than any other room in your home. These clogs can be caused by a number of different factors, but most often happen because people pour the wrong items down the drain. Liquid fats are one of the main culprits and should never be poured down your drains. Additionally, avoid putting things like egg shells, coffee grounds, bones, pasta, celery or other stringy foods in your garbage disposal.

If you should encounter a serious clog, simply call(866) 844-3770and one of our expert plumbers will come to the rescue!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Valentine’s Day? Your plumbing system probably wasn’t the answer that you came up with for that question. However, if Valentine’s Day is the holiday for love, why not show a little to your plumbing? After all, if you take care of your plumbing system, it will take care of you!

How to Show Your Plumbing System Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Keep your pipes nice and toasty! Adding insulation to the pipes located in attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, etc. is a great way to protect yourself against frozen pipes.

Listen to your plumbing system’s needs! Listening is important in any relationship and your plumbing relationship is no different. Does your toilet sound like it is running longer than it should? Can you hear your faucet dripping at night? Is your water heater knocking or making a popping sound? These are cries for help from your plumbing system, it is best to not ignore them.

Flush away the build-up! Once a year you should have your water heater flushed to keep it functioning properly. Minerals and debris accumulate in your water heater over time, which can cause it to malfunction or stop working altogether.

Do not skip your annual plumbing maintenance and safety inspection! Think of annual maintenance like taking your plumbing system to couples counseling. It is a great way to a get ahead of any problems or issues that may arise. Call (866)844-3770 to schedule a plumbing inspection today!

If you want to show your plumbing system some love this
Valentine’s Day, call the experts at Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical Services.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Superbowl 51 is going to be one of the biggest sporting events of 2017 and it is coming at us quickly. Right now you’re probably making plans for the big day. If you’re planning on hosting your own party, you probably have your hands full with planning this and that, but don’t forget about your pipes during your Superbowl preparations. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that everything runs smoothly, plumbing wise, during your big Superbowl party.

1. The first and most important step you can take to prevent a Superbowl plumbing disaster is to have a local plumber run a quick maintenance check on your plumbing system. Having your plumbing inspected before the big game is the best way to ensure that everything is working properly and give you some added peace of mind. After all, nothing ruins a Superbowl party like a clogged toilet at half-time.

2. Your toilet will be used heavily during your party and if it tends to give you trouble you might want to switch to thinner toilet paper. 1-ply works best and your guest won’t likely notice or mind the difference for one day.

3. In order to prevent your guests from flushing items like paper towels, “flushable” wipes (which are horrible for your toilet) and other paper products, you should remove all of these items from your bathroom. Additionally, you may want to remove any smaller objects that are around your toilet, to prevent any accidents.

4. Be wary of what goes in your garbage disposal. Let’s face it, what’s a football party without a ton of delicious and greasy foods? The problem is that your garbage disposal can only handle so much. It is extremely important not to overload it with too much food at one time and always avoid pouring grease down your drain. Wings are a popular Superbowl tradition, but you’ll want to avoid putting chicken bones in your disposal. Additionally, do not put any of the following food items down your garbage disposal at any time; potato peels, celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce, corn husks, carrots, onion skins, pasta, beans or rice.

5. Better safe than sorry. Keep a plunger next to your toilet just in case. And if you experience a really big clog or some other kind of plumbing disaster during your Superbowl party, don’t panic! We’ll still be open for emergency repairs. Call us at (866) 844-3770 or feel free to check us out online at TrustTiger.com and we’ll get your Superbowl party back on track!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

As the temperatures drop below freezing it is important to protect your plumbing from the frigid winter weather that comes with living in the Midwest. Freezing pipes are one of the biggest concerns when it comes to your plumbing during the winter months. Frozen pipes can be an expensive headache and it is best to take steps to avoid them.

How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing:

Steps to Take Before the Cold Hits:

1. If you have pipes that run through attics, crawl spaces or other under heated locations, it is important to ensure that these pipes are well insulated. It is also important to have these pipes inspected regularly, to ensure that the insulation is holding up.

2. Make sure that you have drained all water from hoses, outdoor water supply lines, sprinklers and other outdoor plumbing fixtures.

3. Consider having some of your pipes rerouted. If you do have pipes that are constantly exposed to the frigid winter air, it may be a good idea to have one of our professional plumbers reroute them. By having these pipes rerouted to the interior of your home, you will gain peace of mind each winter that your pipes are safe from freezing. You will also save money in the long run by avoiding expensive water damage and repairs.

Steps To Take After The Cold Hits:

1. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach your pipes. A frozen pipe in your kitchen or bathroom can be a nightmare to deal with and expensive to fix. When the temperatures dip, open the cabinet doors underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks so the heat can flow freely.

2. Let your faucets drip. Pipes are less likely to freeze if the water is running. So, when dealing with extremely cold temperatures, turn on both the cold and hot water taps and allow the water to slowly drip out of the faucet.

3. When you are planning on leaving your home for more than a few days, it may be wise to temporarily shut off your water supply and drain all of the water from your pipes. If you are unsure how to complete either of these tasks, simply call (866)844-3770 and a member of our plumbing team will be happy to assist you.

Remember: That if your pipes do freeze or you have another plumbing emergency that we are here for you 24/7. Call us anytime and a real person will answer the phone to assist you with your emergency.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Do you know the number one reason why people need to call a plumber? A clogged drain! Drain clogs are a major hassle for homeowners and they can lead to more expensive repairs. It is always in your best interest to avoid a clogged drain whenever possible.

Check out these handy tips to avoid a clog drain nightmare!

Never put the following items down your drain. These items can clog pipes and cause sewage backups.

Disposable Diapers

Feminine hygiene products

Grease

Hair

Coffee Grounds

Hot Wax

Paper Products (paper towels, tissues, etc.)

Toothpaste

Food particles

Oil (cooking)

Dirt

Soap

Mineral build-up from hard water

Bathroom Clogs

-Hair is the most common cause of clogs in bathrooms; however, there are other offenders to be on the lookout for!

-Excess toothpaste and soap buildup can also lead to some serious clogs in your bathroom sinks and shower drains.

-Flushing large amounts of toilet paper at one time can cause some serious clogging issues.

-The most often clogged drain is the kitchen sink. Grease, fat, soap build-up, food particles, etc. are some of the most common causes of clogs.

-Overloading your garage disposal can also cause a serious clogs.

-Additionally, avoid putting the following items down your disposal.

potato peels

celery

artichokes

asparagus

lettuce

corn husks

carrots

onion skins

(These items tend to wrap around the disposal blades)

pasta

beans

potatoes

rice

Main Drain Line Clogs

Main drain line clogs are a homeowner’s nightmare. Often caused by tree roots or build-up of debris, these clogs can cause every drain in your home to back up at once. Just imagine that mess! Avoid this hassle by taking advantage of our $69 Drain Clearing Special! This special includes a free camera inspection (a $450 value), so you can be aware of any issues before they turn into an expensive surprise!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Water damage can spell disaster for any homeowner. Clean up and repairs can be expensive and time consuming. The best strategy is to take preventative measures and protect your home from water damage.

Take a peek at these helpful tips to reduce your risk of water damage in your home:

1. Inspect your basement:

Take some time to head down to your basement and have a look around. Check out your walls for any cracks where water may seep in and have them repaired right away.

While you are looking around for cracks, check for signs of existing water damage. See if you notice any leaks or water stains on the walls or floor. You will want to have this damage and its source fixed as soon as possible in order to avoid more costly repairs down the road.

2. Do not over work your water heater:

Traditional water heaters are equipped with large storage tanks. These tanks hold gallons and gallons of water, meaning even a small leak can cause a huge mess in your home. If you are still using a tanked water heater be sure to have a member of our plumbing team out to your home yearly, to inspect your system for signs of damage.

It is also recommended that you replace your water heater every 10 years or so. Since traditional water heaters only have a life expectancy of around 10 to 13 years.

3. Look up:

A leaky roof is a major cause for concern, especially when it comes to your risk of water damage. Be on the lookout for signs of damage to your roof. Loose, curling or worn out shingles are great early warning signs that your home may be at risk.

Additionally, look for cracks or signs of leaking on your ceiling. Even a small leak can lead to some major water damage to your home.

4. Do not ignore your plumbing systems:

All too often plumbing systems get the out of sight, out of mind treatment. However, it is vital to stay up to date with plumbing maintenance. Over time, plumbing fixtures weaken or wear out, which can lead to leaks. Have your plumbing systems inspected annually to avoid unpleasant surprises and periodically check underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs of leakage.

You will also want to ensure that you have water pans under your appliances that may leak; water heaters, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.

5. Prevent basement flooding:

Life in the Midwest means wild and often unpredictable weather and heavy rainfall is common during the spring and summer months. Large amounts of rainfall can often led to basement flooding, especially if your sump pump cannot keep up. Making yearly maintenance and system checks crucial in your battle against water damage. A simple test you can perform to check the function of your sump pump is to pour five gallons of water in your sump hole. Call us right away if you notice any signs that your sump pump is not functioning properly.

You may also consider having a backup battery added to your sump pump. Having a backup battery system will help ensure that your sump pump keeps working, even if a strong storm knocks out the power.

6. Perform simple maintenance tasks:

Make sure that your plumbing fixtures are properly caulked and sealed. Caulking is a simple task that you can perform periodically to help prevent leaks and water damage.

Do not forget to inspect and caulk around your windows as well. Improperly sealed windows will allow water and moisture to seep in and damage your home.

7. Remember, water damage is not only an inside problem

The foundation and exterior of your home can also be at risk for water damage. Keep your gutters cleaned and make sure that your downspouts are always flowing away from your home’s foundation. Make sure any exterior drains on your property are clear from debris.

When landscaping, make sure that any top soil next to your home slopes down and away. Keep all shrubbery at least 18 inches away from your home. These steps will help keep water from damaging your homes foundation.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at: